A joint partnership between the City of Findlay and the Humane Society & SPCA of Hancock County to humanely manage our local community cat population.
Why TNR Works
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) is the most humane and effective method for managing outdoor community cat populations. Through this joint initiative, feral and free-roaming cats are safely trapped, evaluated by veterinary professionals, spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies, and returned to their original outdoor habitats.
This evidence based approach successfully stabilizes cat colonies, drasticaly reduces nuisance behaviors (such as yowling and spraying), prevents the birth of new litters, and preserves vital kennel space inside the shelter for adoptable pets.
The TNR Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1. Report
Citizens identify unowned cat colonies and submit location details through our reporting survey.
Step 2. Assess
Our team reviews the submission, assesses the location for safety and viability, and coordinates a trapping schedule.
Step 3. TNR
Cats are humanely trapped and transported to our clinic for altering, vaccination, and a standard ear-tip (the universal sign of a neutered and vaccinated community cat), followed by a safe recovery period.
Step 4. Return
Cats are returned to their exact, original locations to live our their lives without reproducing.
Report a Community Cat Colony
How the Community Can Help
Here are practical ways you can support the TNR Initiative and help prevent overpopulation in our city.
Support the TNR Process
- Withhold Food During Active Trapping: If you are notified that our TNR team is trapping in your neighborhood, do not leave food out. Cats must be hungry to safely enter the humane traps. Competing food sources will delay the process and prevent cats from getting the veterinary care they need
- Become a Volunteer Trapper: Assit our team in safely setting and monitoring traps in targeted neighborhoods.
- Manage a Feeding Station: Keep community cats feeding areas clean to prevent wildlife issues and neighborhood nuisance complaints.
- Donate Supplies: Contribute funds or vital items specifically designated for TNR veterinary care.
Prevent Overpopulation
- Spay and Neuter Owned Pets: Ensure your personal cats are altered, regardless of wheter they go outside.
- Keep Pets Supervised: Prevent unintended litters and injuries by keeping owned cats indoors or supervised in enclosed spaces.
- Microchip Your Cats: A microchip ensures an escaped indoor cat can be quickly identified and returned home rather than adding to the stray population.
- Do Not Relocate Cats: Abandoning cats in new territories disrupts managed colonies and severly decreases the relocated cat's survival rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an "ear-tip"?
An ear-tip is a universally recognized marker indicating a community cat has been spayed/neutered and vaccinated. While the cat is under anesthesia, approximately 3/8 of an inch is removed from the tip of the left ear. This heals quickly and allows trappers and animal control officers to identify altered cats from a distance, preventing them from being trapped and subjected to surgery a second time.
What is the difference between a feral cat and a friendly stray?
A feral cat has had little to no human contact, is fearful of people, and cannot safely be handled or housed indoors. A stray cat is a previously owned pet who has become lost or abandoned; they may initially be frightened but will typically exhibit friendly behaviors (like meowing, approaching, or allowing touch) once they feel safe.
Will the cats be removed from my neighborhood permanently?
No. The “Return” in TNR is vital. Relocating cats creates a “vacuum effect” where new, unaltered cats simply move into the territory to utilize the available food and shelter. Returning the altered cats stabilizes the colony, prevents new cats from moving in, and stops the breeding cycle.
I found kittens, what should I do?
If the kittens are clean, quiet, and plump, their mother is likely nearby looking for food. The best chance of survival for kittens is to stay with their mother. Observe from a distance for a few hours. If the mother does not return, or if the kittens appear sick or in immediate danger, contact the Humane Society for guidance.